Taylor You’re right in being concerned about your personal safety.  You should know something of the gentlemen you entertain.  Also it’s not a bad idea to inform a third individual of your evenings plans incase something goes wrong.   Basically most hobbyist expect you to want to know his real name, an unblocked phone number and a business number.  Many providers require a reference name of a lady the gentlemen has seen.

If you ask for these basic items of information and the gentlemen refuses to give them to you then you need to carefully choose your decision to book.  NEVER let your personal financial requirements make your choice of bookings.  

As for discretion, the worst thing a provider could do is use personal information she has to discredit a client.  She will fall!  This business is not like any other.  Never cross a mans trust and never let a man take advantage of your good graces.

If you carefully look at every potential client you should not have many bad apples.  And your enjoyment in the business will go smooth.

There are three types of men to watch out for…
1. Crazies
2. Kooks
3. Cops

Dear Taylor Maiden,

Here's the trade-off:

The more you screen the safer you will be.
The less you screen the more business you'll attract.

If you ask for a lot of information, you risk losing business because many nervous hobbyists will choose not to see you.  They may be uncomfortable giving out much personal information.  (Fear of being outed, losing their families, losing their job, LE problems, etc.)

If you ask for little or no information, you may get more inquiries and business, but you risk running into a dangerous or threatening client, and will have no information about him as collateral. (Rip-off clients, rapists, stalkers)

So where do you strike a balance?  This is entirely up to you.  
Unfortunately, there is no right answer.  It all depends on the risk you want to trade for ease of doing business.  Screening takes time and energy, and again, many clients don't want this risk and hassle.  On the other hand, if screening helps you avoid being ripped off or physically harmed by even one bad client, a little extra time spent screening and a few lost opportunities will be extremely well spent.  

I've seen the gamut, from agencies that keep records on all their clients and card hobbyists at the beginning a session, to independents that take incalls in their homes, where they live with their children, and ask for no information whatsoever.

The very best situation?  If you are good at what you do, and become very popular through reviews (either as an agency or indie), you will be able to call the shots and screen more rigorously without it hurting your business.  Why? Guys will know you are trustworthy because of your history (many satisfied customers who had no security issues), so new clients will be more willing to give up information.  Also, clients in general will just be more horny to see you, again, they'll be more willing to give up screening info.

So not much of a answer, but just some issues to consider.

Good luck...

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I want to rock and roll all night
and party every day
I want to rock and roll all night
and party every day

iceman